backstair

Thân thiện

A servant overhears backstairs gossip in the manor.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Secret, sly, or sordid: Describes actions, behavior, or information that is conducted in a secretive, underhanded, or morally questionable way, often involving intrigue or gossip.

Usage

• The adjective "backstair" is used attributively to modify nouns, describing the secretive or underhanded nature of something. It often implies a sense of furtiveness and a lack of openness or propriety.

Examples

• Adjective:
  • The novel is full of backstair intrigue and political maneuvering.
  • He was known for his backstair dealings to gain influence within the company.
  • The scandal was fueled by backstair gossip among the staff.

Advanced Usage

• "Backstair influence": Secret or unofficial influence exerted behind the scenes.
  • The minister was accused of using backstair influence to secure the contract.
• "Backstair access": A metaphorical term for gaining entry or advantage through secret or improper channels.
  • He obtained the documents through backstair access to the filing system.

Variants and Related Words

• Backstairs (adjective): Functionally identical in meaning to "backstair." It is the more common variant.
  • backstairs gossip
  • backstairs diplomacy
• Backstaircase (noun): A secondary, often hidden, staircase. This is the literal architectural term from which the figurative adjective derives its meaning of secrecy.

Synonyms

• Clandestine: Kept secret or done secretively.
• Covert: Not openly acknowledged or displayed.
• Furtive: Attempting to avoid notice or attention, typically because of guilt or a belief that discovery would lead to trouble.
• Sly: Having or showing a cunning and deceitful nature.
• Underhanded: Acting or done in a secret or dishonest way.

Related Phrases

• Behind-the-scenes: Happening privately or out of public view. (This phrase is neutral, whereas "backstair" often carries a negative connotation.)
• Under the table: Secretly and illegally.

Related Idioms

• "Through the back door": Achieving something by secret, unofficial, or dishonest means.
  • He got the job through the back door, not through a proper interview. (This idiom shares the connotation of secrecy and impropriety with "backstair.")

Học thuật

Adjective

1. secret and sly or sordid
   • backstairs gossip
   • his low backstairs cunning- A.L.Guerard
   • backstairs intimacies
   • furtive behavior

Từ đồng nghĩa

• backstairs
• furtive